ground beef stroganoff recipe
ground beef stroganoff recipe is a easy Russian recipe that serves 4. 660 calories per serving. Recipe by Alora Faye on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $9.83 total, $2.46 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean)
- 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 8 oz Mushrooms (sliced; white or cremini work well)
- 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for thickening)
- 1 tsp Paprika (sweet paprika)
- ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 cup Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 8 oz Egg Noodles (dry, broken into pieces if long)
- ½ cup Sour Cream (full‑fat for best texture)
- to taste Salt
Instructions
Prep the Vegetables
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Brown Beef and Onions
Heat the skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Cook Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and sauté until they release their moisture and become soft, about 4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium
Thicken the Base
Sprinkle the flour, paprika, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Deglaze with Broth
Pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Add Worcestershire Sauce
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and mix evenly.
Time: PT0.5M
Temperature: medium
Boil and Simmer Noodles
Increase heat to medium‑high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the egg noodles, submerge them, cover with the lid, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium‑high to low
Finish with Sour Cream
Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the sour cream until fully incorporated, then season with salt to taste.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 660
- Protein
- 33g
- Carbohydrates
- 49g
- Fat
- 33g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground pork
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Olive oil, Margarine
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Leek
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Mushrooms: Sliced canned mushrooms, Portobello strips
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika (½ tsp)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce (½ Tbsp)
- Instead of Egg Noodles: Pasta shells, Spaghetti broken
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, Crème fraîche
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Deep Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Heat‑Resistant Spatula
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Lid for Skillet
- Colander (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the ground beef and onions until caramelized.
- Scrape up the browned bits after adding the broth.
- Simmer the noodles covered to ensure even cooking.
- Fold in the sour cream off the heat to keep the sauce smooth.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality butter for richer flavor.
- Deglazing with broth captures the caramelized fond, boosting depth.
- For extra earthiness, add a splash of dry white wine after the mushrooms.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Troubleshooting
Noodles are too soft or mushy.
Reduce simmer time by 2‑3 minutes and check texture earlier.
Sauce is too thin.
Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce, or whisk in an extra teaspoon of flour mixed with cold water.
Sauce curdles after adding sour cream.
Remove the pan from heat, let it cool slightly, then stir in the sour cream; alternatively, temper the sour cream with a small spoonful of hot sauce before adding.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if sauce separates.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the beef and vegetable mixture up to step 6; refrigerate and add noodles and sour cream when ready to serve.
- Sour cream can be mixed in just before serving to keep the sauce creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Ground Beef Stroganoff in Russian and American cuisine?
Stroganoff originated in 19th‑century Russia as a sautéed beef dish served with a sour‑cream sauce. In the United States it evolved into a comfort‑food classic, often using ground beef and noodles for a quicker, budget‑friendly version.
What are the traditional regional variations of Stroganoff in Russian cuisine?
Traditional Russian Stroganoff uses tender strips of beef, onions, and a mustard‑infused sour‑cream sauce, sometimes flavored with brandy or tomato paste. Regional twists add mushrooms, paprika, or serve over rice instead of noodles.
How is Ground Beef Stroganoff authentically served in Russian‑American households?
It is typically served hot over buttered egg noodles or rice, garnished with fresh parsley, and accompanied by a simple green salad or pickles. A slice of crusty bread is often offered to mop up the creamy sauce.
What occasions or celebrations is Ground Beef Stroganoff traditionally associated with in Russian or American culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, Stroganoff is a popular family‑style dinner for weeknight meals, potlucks, and casual gatherings because it can be made in one pot and feeds a crowd affordably.
How does Ground Beef Stroganoff fit into the broader Russian cuisine tradition?
It reflects Russian cuisine’s love of hearty, dairy‑rich sauces and the use of sour cream to add tang and richness. The dish adapts the classic beef‑and‑sour‑cream concept to a more economical, American‑style preparation.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Stroganoff versus acceptable substitutes in this Ground Beef version?
Authentic Stroganoff uses strips of beef, mustard, and sometimes brandy. In this ground‑beef adaptation, you can substitute ground turkey for beef, Greek yogurt for sour cream, and gluten‑free pasta for egg noodles while keeping the flavor profile similar.
What other Russian dishes pair well with Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Serve it alongside a simple cucumber‑dill salad, boiled potatoes, or a beet‑and‑carrot salad (Vinegret). A warm rye bread or traditional Russian pirozhki also complement the creamy sauce.
What makes Ground Beef Stroganoff special or unique in Russian‑American cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of a rich sour‑cream sauce with quick‑cooking ground beef and noodles, delivering classic Russian flavors in a fast, budget‑friendly one‑pot meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ground Beef Stroganoff?
Common errors include overcooking the ground beef, not deglazing the pan which loses flavor, letting the sauce boil after adding sour cream (causing curdling), and cooking the noodles for too long, which makes them mushy.
Why does this Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe use flour and paprika instead of a roux or mustard?
Flour quickly thickens the sauce without extra butter, keeping the dish light and budget‑friendly, while paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the beef and mushrooms without the sharpness of mustard.
Can I make Ground Beef Stroganoff ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Store the beef‑and‑broth mixture (up to step 6) in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat, add noodles and finish with sour cream just before serving to keep the sauce creamy.
What does the YouTube channel Alora Faye specialize in?
The YouTube channel Alora Faye focuses on easy, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials, often featuring one‑pot meals, quick weeknight dinners, and approachable twists on classic comfort foods.
How does the YouTube channel Alora Faye's approach to Russian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Alora Faye emphasizes minimal equipment, clear step‑by‑step narration, and cost‑effective ingredient swaps, making traditionally rich dishes like Stroganoff accessible to home cooks with limited time and budget, unlike many channels that use premium ingredients or complex techniques.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
